Timberwolf Tours

With summer arriving in the Rockies, some of our newest seasonal residents are beginning to make their appearance. 🦌

Spring and early summer mark calving season for elk, and across the mountain parks you’ll start spotting adorable young calves tucked away in meadows, forests, campgrounds, and even near townsites.

While these little ones may look calm and spark your curiosity, it’s important to remember that mom is never far away. Cow elk are incredibly protective of their calves and can be one of the most unpredictable large animals you’ll encounter this time of year. Many of the elk you see around campgrounds and townsites aren’t there by accident—they often seek out areas close to people because predators such as bears, wolves, and cougars are less likely to venture into busy human spaces.

That means some of the closest wildlife encounters happen exactly where we least expect them: walking to the campground washroom, strolling through town, or enjoying a morning coffee at your campsite.

If you spot a calf, admire it from a distance, keep pets under control, and never position yourself between a mother and her young. Giving wildlife space helps keep both animals and people safe.

The Rockies are full of new life this season—let’s enjoy it respectfully and remember that even the cutest wildlife deserves plenty of room.